5th Place

Falling smack dab in the middle of our rankings is the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, an SUV that promises V6 power and economy better than the four-cylinder gas variant. Using a Hybrid Synergy Drive 3.3-liter V6 with intelligent variable-valve timing (VVT-i), Toyota’s gas/electric SUV offers 268 net horsepower at 5,600 rpm. With a gas engine and multiple electric motors working at different times, a net torque rating is not available. EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 32 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined in two-wheel-drive dress, while a four-wheel-drive system pushes city mileage down to 31 mpg. Base versions start at $33,135 including a $645 destination charge, with a four-wheel-drive Limited Highlander Hybrid fetching $36,655.